Soaking up the atmosphere at a traditional annual agricultural show or gala is a Dales treat not to be missed.
Long at the heart of communities, many shows can be traced back well over a century and have their own distinct local traditions and rituals.
You’ll typically find livestock classes, home produce and hay bale competitions, walking stick carving and sheepdog trials, as well as a gruelling fell race straight up the local hillside and back – often set against the musical backdrop of a silver or brass band.
There will be plenty of delicious local food and drink to try. The day has always been a chance for isolated farming families to get together and share knowledge and experiences.
Some shows have more unusual celebrations and there are unique spectacles like the annual Hardraw Scaur Brass Band Festival, a music competition held outdoors against the backdrop of Hardraw Force waterfall and dating back to 1881.
Find out about these and more in our events listing.
- August ~ Lunesdale Show
- August ~ Gargrave Show
- August ~ Wensleydale Show
- August ~ Malham Show
- August ~ Reeth Show
- August ~ Kilnsey Show
- September ~ Hardraw Scaur Brass Band Festival
- September ~ Nidderdale Show
- September ~ Moorcock Show
- September ~ Muker Show
- October ~ Masham Sheep Fair
Interested in what farmers are doing to protect the environment in the Yorkshire Dales National Park? Then come along to one of our ‘Farm Events’ to learn more about the ways farming can work with nature and have a chat with a local farmer.